University of Florida Pediatric Post Anesthesia Care Unit Renovation

At no other time do children feel more vulnerable than when recovering from a healthcare intervention. At the University of Florida’s Proton Therapy Institute, immediately following proton therapy procedure, patients are admitted to a post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). The room was specially designed with kids in mind, meant to unleash their imagination and positively distract them from their clinical condition.

The space provides an inviting environment full of color and light, engaging the child with soft forms and overlapping lines. Recovering children are engaged by luminous ceilings in nautical themes above their beds, accompanied by multiple LED screens around the room depicting previous patients’ artwork.

The nursing staff in the PACU provides advanced care to patients to ensure a safe and efficient recovery from anesthesia and sedation, while supporting the patients’ families and visitors. Space was designed to support communication and conferences between clinicians, nurses, and families.